Capitol Steps Tread Lightly.

March 26, 1996|By Richard Rothschild, Tribune Staff Writer.

As long as their are wayward politicians such as Rep. Enid Waldholz (R-Utah) and former Oregon Sen. Bob Packwood, life will continue to be merry for Bill Strauss, director of The Capitol Steps, which will appear Saturday at Centre East in Skokie.

Beginning with a simple Christmas show in 1981 for his then boss, Illinois Sen. Charles Percy, Strauss' role as creator and performer has helped build The Capitol Steps into one of the nation's leading political comedy acts.

The Capitol Steps has grown to 20 performers who perform up to 300 shows a year. Their new album, "Return to Center" is the group's 17th.

"Doing The Capitol Steps is like having a political column, but more fun, because you're getting to act it out," said Strauss.

The Chicago-born Strauss jokes that it was one of the Senate's most serious members, Sen. Paul Simon, who turned The Capitol Steps from a part-time amusement into a professional outfit. When Simon defeated Percy in the 1984 election, Percy's staff needed to find new jobs.

By 1986, political comedy had become Strauss' livelihood. He soon was joined by other ex-Percy staffers.

But humor isn't Strauss' only interest. He and historian Neil Howe are co-authors of the book "Generations: The History of America's Future, 1584-2069." The book divides American history into 18 generations, highlighting differences and similarities between the cohorts over the centuries.

Strauss says as long as there are Bob Packwoods in Washington there will be a place for The Capitol Steps.

"What we have to fear is (the political reform group) Common Cause," Strauss says. "If they are ever successful . . ."